. >> cnn's dan rivers is in london. dan, there are so many different stories going around that the compound was attacked by the algerian military, that some of the hostages escaped, including one american. what are you hearing? >> well, i'm afraid it is a very confusing picture. the latest line we have from the british foreign office here in london confirming that the algerians have told them that there is an ongoing operation at this gas field suggesting that perhaps some sort of effort to go in. we know from the ministry of information in algeria they surrounded the terrorists with the hostages at the gas field, the troops were there. this sounds like they have gone in. there were widespread reports that helicopters were being used to attack the terrorist positions. now, the algerian foreign minister is clear on that saying the use of helicopters is wrong, it's a fantasy was their quote on that. in terms of the number of people that are being held hostage, we don't really have a clear idea, i'm afraid. the initial rep